Gorak Shep 5100m - Audio update

< Newer | Older > Sat, 04/12/2008 - 12:15 — Mike Brennan

This is a new audio update from Mike Brennan climbing Mount Everest.

This is the text of Mike's audio message:

Hi this is me at Gorak Shep which is at 5100m.  It is evening time here and there has been a lot of cloud today.  Not many mountains to see but as I speak Everest, or as near as damn it the summit of Everest, is appearing above the cloud in the sun which is kind of cute.  I am doing an audio blog because I am still struggling terribly with my batteries and one thing and another.  We are at Base Camp tomorrow so I am frantically hoping that when I get there we can do copious amounts of charging and then things will get a bit more relaxed.  We had a good day today.  It was hard actually. 

I think it was harder than we all thought coming from 4600m to 5100m.   We got caught in a traffic jam behind some Yaks which slowed things down, which was quite good for me.  We are looking forward to getting to Base Camp. 

It sounds like it is getting pretty busy around here, the lodges are absolutely packed and we were very lucky to have had our room booked in advance yesterday by Rob Casserley, who we briefly met in the lodge yesterday.  He was coming up here to Base Camp and he offered to book us some beds.  That was very lucky because there were none left in the place and we would have had to go on to Base Camp I think.  A bit too soon, a bit too high, a bit too quick. 

Anyway I am doing fine, we are all doing fine.  Have enjoyed our walking such as it is.  It has been pretty snail's pace in terms of height gain but that is the safe way to do it.  Wish you could see this view.  Hope to be back to a more reasonable service tomorrow.  OK.  Bye.

Messages

Greg

fred roberts — Sat, 04/12/2008 - 17:27

Well Greg we have been following your progress every day, are you sure you are not at Butlins holiday camp by mistake, because It seems like you are all having a good old time, never mind the serious stuff starts soon which is what you all want I'm sure. Just want to check with you that you put that Everton flag In your backpack to stick on top of the big hill, now that would make a lot of people happy. I will get your mum to write over the weekend, so good luck and we will see you soon.

Motivation!!!

Visitor — Sat, 04/12/2008 - 17:46

Hi Mike....good to hear you again....and that you got your beds! Good plan that!! I'm off to climb a couple of Munros in 2 weeks' time (how will I cope without seeing your updates daily????) . Suffice to say that I will be hugely inspired and motivated by your good selves when the going gets tough for me (which it undoubtedly will!). Keep your chins up!! Jacq.xx

Hi to Ray

Visitor — Sat, 04/12/2008 - 18:07

Hi ray glad to hear you's are doing well. Been reading/listening to mikes blogs which are great. Everyone fine here, pip's spoilt rotten but thats nothing new. I hear Jan's been enjoying your whiskey. Mel(mum) drinkin her usual red wine. Car's driving like a ferrari and being well looked after, "its had more washes than you" (mother said). Nan says hi aswell. Again mum's off to Barcelona but on her own, as shes got no friends haha.

Take care of youself and the others!

Jarret

Greetings Mike...

wmpopper — Sat, 04/12/2008 - 18:16

Thank you for the interesting dispatch from the lodge. Hope that the hike to BC goes well and that you all arrive in good time for a peaceful and relaxed Sunday in BCamp. Other posts have indicated that the Nepalese army will be there as well, so things should be safe and secure there as well. Hope that the weather is favorable and don't forget to drink plenty of water and apply adequate amounts of sunscreen:>.
WP

Hi Ray

Caz — Sat, 04/12/2008 - 20:09

Hi ya hope yr ok. We listened to Mike's audio earlier 2day sounds like yr all making great progress and u were all thankful for the guy booking yr rooms 4 u at the lodge. As promised we've got the important footie results SAFC 1 - Man City 2 (bugger) by all accounts it was an awful game. Spurs 1 - Smogs 1 and Pompey 0 - Skunks 0. It's all very tight in the table now SAFC 14th , closely followed by 13th Smogs and 12th Skunks and only 3 points between us and the Skunks, and we're level with the Smogs, bring it on next Sunday!!!!!!!! Wot a match that'll be as always. We're just starting to watch the Masters now and we'll keep you all updated with the progress. We noticed on some of the emails there were complaints of no mention of the golf. Watch this space, Ray you know I don't get a choice when it comes to golf (widow totally haha)!!!! Take care and gete to BC safely. Lots of luv Paul and Claire

HELLO FROM HEMEL AND BASINGSTOKE!!

MIKESBRO — Sun, 04/13/2008 - 16:30

Hi Mike,

The gang are here Simon, Vanessa, Brandon, Norman, Jane, Mark & Jonathan after just having Sunday lunch. It was great to hear your latest update and so pleased that everything continues to go well!

Simon and Vanessa are going up to yours on Saturday to have some riotous parties and much frivolity!! They will try to keep the damage to a minimum! :)

Simon has also given up smoking (it's the third week now although he is binging on snacks and finds it hard to sit still! :))

Anyway, look forward to hearing more of your news and you know that we are all here with you every step of the way!

Keep safe and sending you our love

The Gang!